Dressing for Victory

Every type of cloth was in short supply worldwide due to World War 2.  Rationing was set up in America in 1942 and became a way of life.  Fashion magazines and home sewing publications showed a variety of ways to change the look of a woman's wardrobe.

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"Make and Mend for Victory" was published in 1942 by The Spool Cotton Co.  These books were a wealth of information from altering and caring for garments to remaking a man's suit into a woman's suit or dress.  Also included were instructions for making accessories.

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Dickeys and removeable collars were a popular way to change the look of suits or basic dresses.  This excerpt from "Make and Mend" shows the many different styles you could make.

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A similar book called "Build Your Own Wardrobe" was published in 1943 by The American Thread Co.  It focused on updating and expanding a woman's wardrobe with accessories.

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Would you believe these delightful hats were made from pillowcases?  Because of the fabric shortages, women were encouraged to recycle textiles.  Excerpt from "Build Your Own Wardrobe".

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In 2000, Ashton Drake released the "Little Black Dress" designed by Tim Kennedy.  This circa 1943 ensemble included a wide variety of accessories to mix and match with a basic black crepe dress.  This is my favorite look worn by Ashton Drake's "Love at First Sight" Gene.  The basic dress is paired with the hunter green vest and accented with the red and black checked hat and gloves.  Furniture by Retros.

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The strap of the hat is positioned in the back as was often seen in the 40's.  How I wish the gloves were the gauntlet style that was originally designed by Kennedy.  The necklace, bracelet, and muff are from other outfits.

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Ashton Drake's "Spring in Central Park" Gene with an Integrity articulated body wears the same dress with the lace jabot/cuffs and black crepe belt.  The horsehair hat is accented with the floral headband hat that I tucked in her hair.  Earrings and cigarette holder are OOAK.


Additional "Little Black Dress" accessories not shown included a red and black checked waist wrap, black crepe envelope purse, gold chain belt, and a variety of jewelry pieces.